Fitting a Big Block in a 1956 Chevy Wagon - Part 2 Smash and Bash

On the last episode we managed to shoe horn the big block Chevy into the 1956 Chev. Unfortunately there were a lot of clearance issues. In the spirit of keeping the long roof ratty, we go at the fire wall with a torch! A few small fires, but we got to bashing! The dual quad tunnel ram was smashed right up against the cowl. So I pulled out the grinder and started slicing until the rear carburetor fit. Once everything "fit" I burned everything in permanently
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@ ddspeedshop

[@dodge4x418]

Derek at Vice Grip Garage calls that taking Tanya Harding to it!

[@joer5000]

This could be a weekly comedy show, the Beverly hillbillies Restoration shop. Jethro shows you how to do projects the hillbilly way while he burns down the garage. A hammer is a mechanics high tech tool. One day Jethro was working on a car, burned down the garage, then one day he blew up the garage and moved to Canada! Dirty yards and move stars!

[@traderjoes6748]

Floor Pan Dan,,, He's a Manitoba Man,,,, Restores Tri-5 Chevy's,,,, And I'm a really big fan !

[@AndrewTwoTen]

"Some men see things as they are and ask, Why? I dream things that never were and ask, Why not?"~R.F.K.

[@Ridendrty]

“Ask not what your country can do for you” RFK.... oh how far have we fallen

[@327JohnnySS]

@@Ridendrty , That was his brother's JFK quote. Just saying ☮️

[@tomrobards7753]

That article in car craft magazine project x will tell you everything you need to know to put a big block Chevy in a tri 5Chevy

[@kevinmopar1211]

Your channel deserves so many more subscribers Dan. You do great work man!

[@billjohnson7041]

Headers by Ed in Minneapolis MN has everything for headers.

[@ccjensen4670]

I placed the engine in the frame so valve covers cleared the firewall and then welded in motor mounts. Cross flow radiator fits and no other problems. With engine in place I added six speed and built the crossmember to fit. Learned the hard way you don't weld ladder bar brackets on axle tubes without dummy shaft..ate up the bearings and seals after 10 years of driving. Removed assembly and had flanges rewelded and replaced brakes, bearings and seals. Live and learn. Also learned if engine sits to long dry change the rear main seal before reinstalling the engine. When I retired and moved into a house with a two car garage I trusted shops to put my car back together...first two shops didn't know squat and third shop was excellent.. I enjoy watching your videos! FYI my car is a 150 utility sedan from Pacific Bell Telephone

[@Sadistic-666-Customs]

Up in Smoke. That's where my money goes. In my lungs.. ..and sometimes up my nose... Lovin this wagon build Dan! Cheers from your next door neighbor

[@jeremyrumley1004]

It’s looking so freaking good with the big block in it. Can’t wait to hear it.

[@rogerwachal3718]

me too

[@randyburdick9022]

That’s one smokin hot 56, gotta love the smoke wrench.

[@widowmaker4618]

there is a oil pan made that has the cutout for the link, a 1960s nova after market oil pan will work it has the same cutout

[@davecarey7452]

It's always good to have your hot work permit printed on a shop towel.

[@charlesmarek9207]

Your headers were made by a company called Street and Performance in Mena, Arkansas in the U.S. You might try an old street rod shop to find some gaskets.

[@thegrandpumbaa]

Just catching up on a snowy Sunday with a beer in front of the fire. Nice work Dan!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thabks buddy!

[@nearpar]

Dan, if you have to modify the existing oil pan you can draw a line across where the linkage is going to rub. Take a piece of pipe a little larger than the diameter of the linkage, cut the pipe in half down the length. Cut the pan to fit the pipe, then weld the pipe into that cut. Test for leaks, You will have room for the steering to move.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Yup. Somthing along those lines is next

[@lessharratt8719]

2 door conversion = Nomad. Would be awesome. Especially since Dan would be doing all the work and I could just watch.

[@howiemook7701]

The inside of the car looked like a Cheech and Chong movie .

[@johnsiersema2685]

Dan you need to put a hood scoop on the 56 wagon.......don't let it rain on you !

[@lonniekiser3612]

LOL I was getting ready to comment and I seen this ,that's what I was thinking about, nice

[@327JohnnySS]

Up in Smoke.. . . The request line's are open. . .lol

[@bobseagraves1743]

I know a guy that burned his race car and shop to the ground after a night of welding. You need to do a fire watch before closing up shop. I liked to weld outside if I could.

[@AndyGeesGarage]

Dan does do a fire watch. As do I , for me that’s have a beer and watch a DD Speedshop video.

[@327JohnnySS]

Horror stories like that bite the big one. So sad. When If in tight quarters wetting the floor down is a good rule of thumb. It helps extinguishing the sparks from bouncing around.

[@tlr-nut7275]

That's what insurance is for!

[@tomrobards7753]

You take a 3 pound hammer and dent the firewall at the right rear engine head ,, there is a complete article in old car craft magisine from early 70s it was called project x it was done on a '57 Chevy but we'll work on a 55 Chevy

[@charlesgambrel7058]

Cars looking great just wanted to save that you do great work and thanks for keeping your channel family-friendly

[@niteop1309]

I like how the smoke is billowing out of the car windows.

[@Lunchb0x6669]

Thanks for posting so many videos! I look forward to seeing your progress on the daily!

[@dennisisom2015]

Try some "Painter's Tape". Our dealership techs used it for many things. Such as covering the intake after carb removal. It's quick, and easy to remove without being so strong that it removes paint. You can get different sizes, but we used 2" wide tape the most. You will find many uses for it; marking an area for drilling holes on metal, walls, etc. Unlike duct tape, it leaves no residue, is cheap and won't damage anything when removed.

[@brianandlindafairchild1237]

I think they were by Rat Fink .. Years and years ago you could buy all different kinds of t shirts at our county fair. They were cool wild looking rats with big teeth hanging out of the car. All kinds of exhaust flames and tire smoke. Cool

[@davidsantos8206]

You can still buy all kinds of Rat Fink memorabilia.

[@steves4639]

i cannot stand how cool and awesome this is gonna be

[@TurlosGarage]

Big Block fits in the car perfect. Just the right height!

[@danblythe2979]

Looks good. Try the trans dapt engine conversion mount on your next one. Makes life much easier

[@piratescovegarage8269]

Getting closer to see and hear it running!!

[@rexgexnortowmader5165]

Dan, try Marine applications for the Headers. You did say it was in a boat.

[@ksokie63]

Short and sweet video. Looken better everyday .

[@robertedwards7632]

Stayin true to overall theme! Rat fink!

[@CrazyWillie01]

Of Rods Bud , Monster’ hanging out of door windows with there hand on this shifter comin out of the sun roof , I used to collect those in the 70’s when I was a kid ! Love the Channel .

[@glennnickerson8438]

Today's theme music should have been by the Platters: SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES! 🤣🤣 At least if they're any spiders or critters in the rafters they're on the move now!

[@my357mags]

It's looking pretty frigging good there Dan! Let's go I'm ready for the next video! I can watch them as fast as you can put them out! Faster even! LOL Thumbs up!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha thanks buddy

[@terrymott8581]

My buddy has a Nova, and I swear his distributor is closer to the firewall. So glad we didn't have to witness learning to cut glass.

[@LeftForDeadGarage]

I have those same weird headers, $20 swap meet specials so I couldn’t pass em by. FYI they also will fit a X frame car with a tad bit of work.

[@mikepoint4983]

Dan you truly are living the dream , what a tough choice it must be to chose what tri-5 your gunna drive . Great video , amazing build . Give the ol’ hounds a pet for me will ya’ . Cheers bud .

[@chevyboob1738]

That does look awesome. I can’t wait to see the front end on it. During the summer time, you can go hoodless. Show off that diamond.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thsts thr goal

[@joeb9553]

You have to admit the paper towel was a bad idea, loved watching it smolder when you put it on the other side of the engine. Great job though.

[@samuelsmith5098]

What ever that music costs is worth it. Perfect.

[@backyardbuilttrucks1]

A air chisel with a blunt end bit in it works really good for the firewall . Weld a body dolly to a bit and works great. See if these will work Remflex Exhaust Gaskets 4-Bolt 3" Pipe Universal Flange/Collector Pair 8036

[@chunxxxxter]

i concur, air chisels are great!

[@michaelduhan6931]

Every time you say “screwing around” all I can think of is “Billy sanded his face off again.”

[@paulo7344]

I had a set of headers with that same flange yrs ago. The company that made then was called Street & Performance. They also made a lower section with collector so it could be a full length header as well. Not sure if they are around any more though.

[@pauldavis8538]

Great watch Dan. I'm just getting started on my 56 project. Big block and tremec 5spd. I'm glad I came across your series on doing a bb in a 56. Comments are a wealth of information, Thanks guys.............

[@marygarner5249]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR VIDEOS IT'S REAL No Make Beleave Perfect SHOP Just some who loves car's and fixing them up 😁😁😁😁😁

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha yup!

[@telecasteroil]

I was hoping for 2 sideways carbs , but love how the Project is turning out, cheers.

[@DDSpeedShop]

I dont like em sideways

[@CountryBoyGasGarage]

You should name this car "Shoehorn"...lol! 👍

[@pstreetgarage7304]

Bug catcher looks amazing. Nice job.

[@Novaman66]

Dude! Your work and videos are first rate, love how you solve fitment problems, the old school way! But I gotta know, where that music is from, need the artist and name ,please!

[@jlletaw1954]

Me too - that fiddle stays playing in my head

[@whitebison66]

I like the Cheech & Chong homage during the valve cover clearance segment.

[@GeneFever]

Good work Dan the bug catcher is sweet on that wagon.

[@cfmechanic]

Great work. Your alot of fun to watch and explain things very well.

[@58Bisc]

Back in the 70’s one of the ways to put a big block in a tri five was to buy a new large wheel barrel and cut out the center of the firewall and weld the front 2/3 of the wheel barrel in as a recess. The big block would have plenty of clearance...

[@DennisMurphey]

Yes SIr Cutting and baling now! Go Baby Go! Dennis

[@briankinnear7461]

Good video. Loving the look. Back in the day I knew a guy who had a monster tunnel ram on a 396 in a '67 Camaro. He had put a 6" tall cowl hood scoop on it and the 4-barrels and air cleaners stuck clear out of the top of the scoop. That tunnel ram was super high.

[@williemoon7522]

the hot wrench was always one of my favorite tools ....

[@maxrensberger9856]

Yep..all good n nice Freiburger reached out..you got alot of us watching..thanks

[@DDSpeedShop]

What's that?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Nice tunnel ram. Will also be nice not to have it too high for visibility while driving, yet still look cool!

[@60EFFIE]

Someone send this guy a welding blanket and/or welding jacket!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha I'd just rock jeans and a t shirt anyways

[@Nova.1971]

I like all the short updates, keep'm coming......

[@williamdavis3509]

Good ol' heat wrench, one of my favorite tools. Cook hotdogs too. 😱😂👍✌️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ibraunchy2462]

A little smoke wrench and a 5lb hammer , it'll fit LOL I did the same but used a piece of pipe and rolled the firewall edges with motor out , Looking good , Dan

[@stevebankuti9336]

big block looks awesome stuffed in that chev

[@davidhill129]

I did the same thing to my firewall to fit my 409. That was in 1969. I still have the car, 1955 210 Handyman.

[@tonygilbert2008]

Excellent build think you got tunnel ram height spot on will look really cool 😎 when finished 👍

[@MrLangleylad]

Could ya hear me yelling at you for using paper towels ? ! lol . For I guy that’s afraid of burning his shop to the ground you sure put the “hot” wrench to work ! Job done ✅

[@andrewlyons9188]

I think I might have considered cutting out a bit of the fire wall and welding a dome or box on the inside. That way it would give you more flexibility if you have the motor move around during acceleration.

[@BillHilly169]

I’m a Ford guy. But I love those tri-five Chevys! Once again, I’m excited to see how this one turns out.

[@chriscatarcio7534]

57..58...ford's are cool as hell....

[@shartne]

Fits like a glove!

[@RandBLSWorld]

I have those header flanges. Mine are on the custom headers I got for my LS swap. Complete street performance made mine. Of course they no longer exist

[@DustinSeiger]

The ol square peg and round hole problem.

[@327JohnnySS]

That's what metric screw driver's are for. Lol

[@carrollgrossman3739]

Looks good can't wait to see front end and hood on. Good job

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

Cool stuff, I would slam that gizzard behind the front seat and call it done. After I awakened from my dream I realized the engine in front would be the best...

[@armondoborjas4362]

So. Really going for the. Double triple look. Try a blower that's a way crazy cool thing. Its looking cool now nice job

[@grharman]

Hi Dan, Thanks for the great videos. I am a little concerned about your clearances, especially up high on the engine by the Carbs. I am sure that this engine is going to move or tilt side to side with engine torque. Please go as large you can with your clearance cutouts. I had a 65 Ford Galaxie with a 427 and a 4-speed, and there was a lot of motion side to side, especially during Power-Shifting. I would recommend using a long bar and prying against the frame in order to judge this movement before the fenders go back on. Bless you and your efforts!

[@robertwayne4373]

Thanks for sharing a friend from B.C Rob 😎✌

[@mikeobrien3744]

Not sure what you were using to bash the firewall, but I use rounded tools. Makes less fatigue and possible rip in the metal. I use a ball pen as a tool and smash it with a hammer, but they can shatter so careful on the umpha.

[@brianf8621]

Smoke is coming out the firewall on the passenger side. 😟

[@joebooth8585]

That’s gonna be one sweet food grabber 👍

[@billgagnon4670]

Just pounding it out . Literally.nice job Dman.cant wait for more love your vids can't wait for the live stream

[@sheldonbenson4510]

Glad your back I enjoy watching your videos with the progress your doing on the car

[@alanpaulick7815]

Dan the man this was a smoking video...good stuff man

[@willgrcmt]

Dan "ROTH" Speed Shop with the old cartoon monster driver

[@Kurieitaa]

Thats "rat fink" right?

[@billmiller7138]

You showed a lot of finesse with that firewall. The old school method was to try the engine, mark the firewall, pull the engine out of the way and stand on the cowl in front of the windshield with a sledgehammer and strike briskly.

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

Been there and done that , too many times to count !

[@williamdavis3509]

Bug catcher my butt !!!!! That's a crow catcher ‼️😂👍✌️🇺🇸

[@gertv6777]

I love how the inside of the car is on fire, smoke is rolling out of the firewall and windows and you keep going with the torch like nothings happening lmao

[@DDSpeedShop]

Haha I had it under control.....

[@kevinsuminski7167]

That looks sweet cant wait to hear it fire up

[@bozan8036]

I need that in my car!! Nice man

[@tazgee6609]

If you’re going to run with the hood, what do you think about running a gear drive timing and let people think it’s running a blower??? LOL

[@Jenkins182]

I got gear drive in my 79 square body. Wouldn't have it any other way

[@rodneybrown1696]

Looks awesome sitting there! Should be roaring in a couple weeks.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Yup! That's the plan

[@holgers5216]

wooohoooo.....this is gonna be one helloffa mean street machine!!!...vvvrrrroooooom......

[@michaeltraexler5417]

the car is coming very good 👍 makes me want to pick up a 55 Chevy now

[@jamesdalton7191]

Looks like you caught that firewall pad on fire dude!

[@bensymington5550]

❤❤ love your videos. I think I’ve watched them all.

[@tonylee5860]

Yep! looking awesome!

[@jeffsratsrodsrebuilds1535]

That is looking so wild, I love it, remember those zinger models by revel or monogram ? Can't remember which company made them but the taller the cooler, I'm right there with ya.

[@lehmanbarfield3983]

Was it MPC

[@jeffsratsrodsrebuilds1535]

@@lehmanbarfield3983 yes I think it was, when I was a kid they had 1 or 2 of them at Carl caspers. Auto show in Detroit.

[@MikeJBlues]

Fire in the hole ! Looking good man

[@davidsantos8206]

Great video Dan. Like I said before, the only problem that I have with my tunnel ram, is that I couldn't open and close my hood with the bug catcher. Wish I could because I think bug catchers are the cats ass. But it sounds like you are not planning on using a hood on yours, so you will be okay. Thank you for entertaining us. Looking forward to the next one.

[@DDSpeedShop]

They look so cool.

[@michaelcarmack4731]

Going to be nice to hear it run